Tips for Using Your Oven More Efficiently

From baking to broiling, your oven is a kitchen essential — but it can also be one of your home’s top energy consumers. At Sweet Home Appliance, we’re committed to helping you get the best performance from your appliances while saving time and energy. Here are some simple, effective ways to use your oven more efficiently.

1. Don’t Preheat Too Early

Preheating is important for certain recipes, but turning on your oven long before you're ready to use it just wastes energy. Preheat only when necessary, and for baked goods or pizzas, wait until your oven signals it’s reached the desired temperature before placing items inside.

2. Keep the Door Closed

Every time you open the oven door, the internal temperature can drop by 25°F or more. Resist the urge to peek — use the oven light and window to check on food without losing heat.

3. Cook in Batches

If you’re preparing multiple dishes, try cooking them one after another or at the same time (if temperatures are close). This keeps the oven hot and reduces the number of times it needs to reheat from a cold start.

4. Use the Right Bakeware

Glass and ceramic dishes retain heat well and can cook food faster than metal pans. That means you may be able to reduce the cooking temperature slightly and still get great results.

5. Choose Convection When Possible

Convection ovens use a fan to circulate hot air, which cooks food more evenly and often more quickly. You can typically reduce your cooking temperature by 25°F when using convection, saving both time and energy.

6. Turn Off Early and Use Residual Heat

For many dishes, especially casseroles or roasts, you can turn off the oven a few minutes early and let residual heat finish the job. This technique helps conserve energy without affecting the final result.

7. Keep It Clean

Built-up grime and food debris can block heat and reduce efficiency. Regularly clean your oven (using the self-clean function or a gentle baking soda paste) to ensure even heating and better performance.

8. Use the Correct Rack Position

The middle rack is usually the most efficient and provides the most even cooking. Use higher or lower racks for browning or crisping when needed — but stick with the middle for general use to maximize airflow and heat distribution.

9. Match Oven Size to Task

If your range includes a double oven, or if you have a countertop convection oven, use the smaller cavity for smaller meals. Heating a full-size oven for one tray of food uses far more energy than necessary.

Cook Smarter, Not Harder

Improving your oven habits doesn’t require a kitchen remodel — just a few adjustments can lead to noticeable savings on your energy bill and better cooking results. If you're ready to explore energy-efficient ovens or upgrade to a smart model, visit Sweet Home Appliance online or in-store today.